Stormzy joins mourners at vigil for Croydon stabbing victim Elianne Andam

Rapper Stormzy was among thousands of mourners at an emotional candlelight vigil for 15-year-old stabbing victim Elianne Andam.

Crowds dressed in white gathered outside Whitgift shopping center in Croydon on Wednesday night to pay their respects to the teenager, who was fatally stabbed at the same venue a week earlier.

Stormzy, who was raised in Croydon and whose real name is Michael Omari Owuo Jr, stood silently by her family as they led mourners in prayer.

A choir sang Amazing Grace with the crowd including Stormzy, 30.

Elianna’s mother Dorcas Andam paid tribute to her “intelligent, charismatic” daughter who “loved to live life to the full”.

“She brought joy to so many, including her friendship group,” Ms Andam said.

“She was an amazing, beautiful girl.

“She loved and touched the lives around her.”

She said she couldn’t believe her daughter was gone.

Mrs Andam added: “I can’t believe we won’t see her again. I can’t believe she won’t be there to complain about her teenage activities.

“We should plan her prom after year 11. She wanted to be a lawyer and she had so much to live for.”

She added: “It’s been a sad day for the whole family, we’re now planning her funeral.”

On the morning she was fatally attacked, Elianne met up with two friends before going to the mall.

People at the scene tried to give first aid, but Elianne could not be saved.

The alleged killer, a 17-year-old boy, was arrested in New Addington at 9.45am the same day.

He will face a murder trial at the Old Bailey on April 29 next year.

Hundreds of bouquets of flowers were left at the scene in memory of the schoolboy, who wanted to become a lawyer.

She attended the Old Palace of St John Whitgift School just half a mile from where she was fatally wounded.

In a statement after the death, Elianna’s family said: “Our hearts are broken by the senseless death of our daughter.

“Elianne was the light of our lives. She was bright and funny, with many friends who all adored her.

“He was only 15 and had his whole life ahead of him with hopes and dreams for the future.

“All those dreams have been shattered now. Our lives fell apart, along with that of our wider family.”

Her school said they were “deeply shocked” by the death and were offering support to grieving students.